Millions of Americans are worried as Congress argues about the government budget, causing a partial shutdown. Many government workers, including air traffic controllers, have missed their paychecks. Because of this, the FAA has cut flights by up to 6%, creating long delays and cancellations at airports across the country.
Other Americans are also struggling. Families who depend on SNAP benefits (help for food) can no longer receive them, and food banks are running low. Volunteers fear they might have to turn people away.
Many workers, like Daniel, a single father from the IRS, feel frustrated. They suffered weeks without pay and wonder what it was all for. Airlines hope that once the shutdown ends, things will return to normal before Thanksgiving — one of the busiest travel times of the year.
The story ends with the reporter confirming that hundreds of flights are still canceled daily, and everything now depends on Congress to reopen the government.
Vocabulary :
• Congress (noun): the U.S. national government that makes laws.
• pawn (noun): someone used by others for their own goals.
• bargaining chip (noun): something used to gain advantage in a negotiation.
• shutdown (noun): when the government closes temporarily.
• FAA (noun): Federal Aviation Administration — manages air travel.
• controller (noun): person who directs airplane movements.
• SNAP benefits (noun): U.S. food aid program for low-income families.
• furlough (verb): to stop work temporarily without pay.
• schedule (noun): a plan showing times for events or transport.
• jeopardize (verb): to risk or put in danger.